Kuala Lumpur Attractions

Merdeka Square (Dataran Merdeka)

The 328-foot (100m) flagpole rising from Merdeka Square is one
of the tallest in the world, and marks the place where Malaysia
achieved independence at midnight on the 30th of August 1957. The
square is the heart of Malaysian nationalism and one of the few
places in the city where historic old colonial buildings can still
be seen. The city's colonial past is still very much alive in the
architecture of the surrounding buildings and the large field still
hosts the occasional cricket matches. The Tudor-style Royal
Selangor Club rests on one corner of the square, looking onto a
large video screen displaying religious messages and
advertisements. The Club served as a social centre for Kuala
Lumpur's British residents; its doors are now open to anyone who
can afford the membership fees. In keeping with die-hard customs
women are still not allowed entry to the bar, except by invitation.
Other buildings of interest around the square include St. Mary's
Church, purported to be the first church built in Kuala Lumpur; the
Abdul Sambad building, built in 1893 and named for one of the
sultans; the High Court building; and the old Town Hall. There are
some shops and restaurants in the vicinity and it is an interesting
area to stroll around - the square is also nice to visit at
night.

Chinatown

The crowded and colourful Chinatown area is a jumble of shops,
food, smells and people. The central section of Petaling Street is
closed at night to traffic and the street is transformed into an
exciting, brightly lit experience. Vendors spread their wares onto
the pavement and one can stroll along endlessly taking it all in.
Merchandise ranges from jewellery to toys and t-shirts - with lots
of fake brands on sale - and bargaining for the best prices is
accepted practice and part of the fun. There are many stalls in the
market during the day but Chinatown is a more special experience at
night, with the bright lights promising good photographs. However,
no matter what time of day you visit, be sure to stay vigilant with
your possessions as pick pockets are a problem in the area and the
crowds, noise and multitude of distractions make it easy for them
to operate. Chinatown's popularity is gradually causing a rise in
both prices and petty crime, which is unfortunate, but there is
great fun to be had, the food is always yummy, and there are
certainly still bargains to seek out. Apart from all the exciting
shopping and food, there are some great Chinese temples in the
area, for those who want to experience a touch of the culture.

Petronas Towers

The Petronas Towers are designed to impress and encapsulate
Malaysia's emergence as Southeast Asia's commercial and cultural
centre. Celebrated as some of the tallest towers in the world, the
building stands at a height of 1,483ft (452m) and the two towers
are joined by a skybridge extending 192ft (58m) across. Traditional
geometric principles of Islamic architecture have been followed
using modern technology, with an inspiring result. The Petronas
towers are used as office complexes that form part of the Kuala
Lumpur City Centre Development Park. The towers dominate the city
skyline and are particularly beautiful at night when they are lit
up like a beacon. Many people will recognise the building from the
popular film Entrapment, and other movies and programmes.
You can tour the building for free, but there are limited
tickets per day so it is a good idea to get there early or book in
advance. On the tour you will cross the famous bridge and go up to
a viewing platform on the 82nd floor. The views of the city are
phenomenal. There is an exhibition detailing the development of the
towers and a gift shop selling souvenirs like books, postcards,
clothes and miniatures.

Kuala Lumpur Railway Station

British architect, AB Hubbock was inspired by North Indian
Islamic design when he conceived this magnificent railway station,
which could easily be mistaken for a sultan's palace. Spires,
minarets, towers and arches explode against the backdrop of
skyscrapers emphasising the glory of Moorish elegance. The building
is lovely and has been very well-maintained, and it is a refreshing
sight in a city which actually has very little colonial
architecture, and few historic old buildings. It serves not only as
an aesthetic vision but is in use as an important commuter station;
inside it is fairly unremarkable and looks much like other
stations. Opposite the station there is an administrative building
which is also architecturally interesting. Inside the station there
is a small railway museum on the evolution of railway technology in
Malaysia; the exhibition is intriguing for railway fanatics, but
for those not particularly interested in the technology it may be a
waste of time. The Kuala Lumpur Railway Station is ultimately more
of a landmark than an attraction - it only requires a quick walk by
and photo shoot and shouldn't occupy much of your time - but it is
a charming building which attracts rave reviews from many visitors
to the city.

Friday Mosque (Masjid Jamek)

Masjid Jamek, the Friday Mosque, is located where the Gombak
River flows into the Klang River and with its palm trees and curved
steps leading to the water's edge, it is a haven of peace and
tranquillity set among the buzz and rush of modern Kuala Lumpur.
The mosque is situated on the spot purported to be where the
founders of Kuala Lumpur fist set foot. The design was inspired by
Mogul mosques in northern India. Cupolas and minarets top the brick
walls and arched colonnades. As with all mosques, a visit calls for
conservative dress and the removal of shoes; the mosque staff at
the entrance supply women and men with appropriate attire for a
mosque visit if they have not come prepared.
If you only visit one mosque in Kuala Lumpur the Friday Mosque
is probably the best option, but the National Mosque is also worth
investigating. A modern contrast to the Friday Mosque, the National
Mosque was completed in 1965 and remains the largest mosque in
Southeast Asia - the vast main prayer hall can accommodate up to
10,000 people. Many of the city's Malay office workers congregate
here for the Friday afternoon prayers. The impressive 18-point
star-shaped dome represents the 13 states of Malaysia and five
central Pillars of Islam. Entry is only permitted once prayers have
been concluded. Robes can be borrowed from the desk at the mosque
entrance.

Lake Gardens

These 60-hectare (148-acre) gardens, established in 1888, form
the green belt of Kuala Lumpur, and the lakeside beauty with a
backdrop of skyscrapers is reminiscent of New York's Central Park.
The lush vegetation surrounds a vast lake, with a number of
romantic bridges and plenty of space to relax, read a book, go for
a walk or jog, or socialise. Visitors can take a leisurely boat
cruise to enjoy views of the gardens from the water (RM4 per hour:
Saturdays, 2pm to 5.30pm and Sundays 8am to 5.30pm). There are
numerous attractions within the gardens, which incorporate the
National Monument, Butterfly House, Bird Park, Orchid and Hibiscus
gardens, and Malaysia's Parliament House situated at the northern
end. There are wonderful playgrounds for little ones and if you are
travelling in Malaysia with children a jaunt to the gardens is the
perfect way to let them blow off some steam. The water and shade
makes the Lake Gardens a cool refuge from the humidity and crowds
of the city, and for those interested in the indigenous plant life
there is plenty to explore. There are numerous restaurants fringing
the gardens but the best option is to pack a picnic and spend a few
hours in some green nook.

National Museum (Muzium Negara)

Many of Malaysia's historical artefacts and cultural treasures
are housed in the National Museum, which is an appropriately
designed building, reflecting the Minangkabau architectural style
of the region. Ethnographic and archaeological exhibits include
life-size dioramas depicting various aspects of traditional
Malaysian life. Shadow play (Wayang kilt) displays reflect the
ancient artistry of the nation, while exhibits of traditional
weapons such as daggers (kris) and machetes (parangs) reveal the
Malaysian pride in functional aesthetic forms. The museum covers a
lot of time and subject matter and can seem discordant as a result
of the many topics and occasional lack of linkage between periods
and themes; as a result, it is a good idea to join one of the free
guided tours that do the rounds daily at 10am (in several different
languages) so that you can ask questions and get a bit more
information. Apart from the extensive permanent collection there
are always temporary exhibits. There is a cafeteria and museum
shop, and the premises are equipped for disabled visitors.
Photography is permitted in the museum but only for private use and
only with hand-held equipment. The air conditioning is a big plus
on hot Malaysian days!

Batu Caves

Stalagmites and stalactites festoon the interior of these
impressive limestone caves, together with the Hindu shrines that
honour their deities. The caves were discovered by the American
explorer William Hornaby in 1881 and are very interesting in
themselves, but have since become a Hindu holy site, particularly
associated with the celebration of Thaipusam, a three-day religious
festival during January/February. Thousands of devotees flock to
the caves during the festival to pay penance and undergo rites of
self-flagellation that are fascinating, if a bit disturbing, to
observe. The largest of the caves, Temple Cave, is reached by
climbing 272 steps to its entrance from which a path leads to
Museum Cave - housing a dazzling display of ornamental religious
art. There is a clear view from the top to the Subramaniam Swamy
Temple, set within a large cave that extends for 262 feet (80m).
Onsite companies offer rock-climbing opportunities as well. It is a
good idea to take some water as the climb up is tiring. Those with
physical difficulties may struggle. Beware of the monkeys: they are
cute and fun to photograph but they also steal things that take
their fancy, so hang on to your belongings and keep an eye out.

Taman Negara National Park

Taman Negara contains some of the oldest rainforest in the world
and spans thousands of square miles of protected land. Its richly
diverse fauna and flora have evolved over a staggering 130 million
years. The best way to explore the diversity of plant and animal
life is by 'trekking' along the jungle trails. Although seldom
seen, a small population of nomadic Orang Asli people still live in
the rainforest, their makeshift shelters appearing in clearings
among the jungle growth. Guided tours to tribal villages are
available from several operators. Besides trekking, the park's
other attractions are fishing, river rafting or bird watching and
climbers can explore the Peninsula's highest mountain, Gunung Tahan
at 7,175 fEEt (2,187m). The best time to visit Taman Negara is
between March and September. There are numerous canopy and trekking
tours offered but it is ideal to avoid the tours and do your own
thing to really experience this jungle world. It is easy to
self-guide in Taman Negara. Hiking the main path across the park
takes about three days and there are wooden refuges to camp in at
night to keep you safe. The jungle sounds at night are incredibly
special, if a bit unnerving for the uninitiated. There are several
luxury lodges within the reserve, but budget accommodation can be
found on the outskirts.

Melaka (Historic City)

The fascinating seaside city of Melaka (Malacca) preserves the
historic convergence of Chinese and European cultures. Its
strategic position on the Straits of Melaka brought a tide of trade
with China, India, Siam and Indonesia. Colonial powers wrestled for
control, and much of the Portuguese influence from the 1500s is
cemented in its architecture. The most notable cultural presence
today is predominantly Chinese. Chinese merchants continue to ply
their trades in the tradition of their forefathers. Open-air
markets burst with colourful fruit, vegetable and fish produce. The
oldest Chinese temple in Malaysia, Cheng Hoon Teng, together with
the vast Chinese cemetery, support a thriving industry entirely
dedicated to the deceased.
The merging of Chinese and Malay cultures has produced a unique
ethnic group found in Melaka, the Baba-Nyonya. The remarkable
lifestyle of this micro-culture can be explored in the dedicated
Baba-Nyonya Heritage Museum. Jonker Street is an attractive
thoroughfare, almost always strung with traditional Chinese
lanterns, which often hosts night bazaars and festivities on
weekends. Trips on the Malazza River are popular, and there are
many historic buildings to explore, including the Stadthuys, which
was once the seat of the Dutch administration and now houses a
history museum. There are also some interesting ruins on St. Paul's
Hill.